University Honors Faculty Inventors

Photo by Matt Reynolds

Jim Rankin (far left, second row), vice provost for research and economic development, congratulates faculty inventors Jia Di (clockwise, from right), Greg Salamo, Ralph Henry, Shannon Servoss and Ingrid Fritsch.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas recently honored five faculty inventors at the third annual Inventor Appreciation Banquet.

The event, held April 22 at the Inn at Carnall Hall and hosted by Technology Ventures – the Fayetteville campus’ technology licensing office – saluted the accomplishments of five faculty members who have been issued patents during the last year.

Two professors – Greg Salamo and Shannon Servoss – were recognized for their patents and initiated into the National Academy of Inventors, a nonprofit organization that accepted the U of A as a charter member in 2012. Salamo is a Distinguished Professor of physics, and Servoss is an associate professor of chemical engineering.

Three professors – Jia Di, Ralph Henry and Ajay Malshe – were recognized for receiving patents. Di is a professor of computer science and computer engineering, Henry is a Distinguished Professor of biological sciences and Malshe is a Distinguished Professor of mechanical engineering.

The National Academy of Inventors endorses investigators at universities and non-profit research institutes who translate their research findings into inventions that benefit society.

Three U of A patent-holders have been elevated to fellow status by the academy – Hameed Naseem (2013), Donald R. Bobbitt (2014) and Ingrid Fritsch (2014). Bobbitt, former dean of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, is president of the University of Arkansas System. Fritsch and Bobbitt were recognized at the banquet for becoming fellows.

Stan Green, chairman of the University of Arkansas Technology Development Foundation, delivered keynote remarks at the banquet, speaking about the connections between academic innovation and industry.